The MLK, Jr. Essay Contest invited students to write an essay on the theme of Silence, Betrayal, and Social Justice. The contest was sponsored by the College of the Liberal Arts and the MLK, Jr. Commemoration Committee.
Akinshola Jolaoso, a senior majoring in kinesiology, placed second in the contest. Read his essay below.
The third Monday of January, a day that students and workers around the United States are ecstatic about due to the perquisite of a day off. There is a deeper meaning to this day; it is not simply a government given holiday for a four day weekend or an extra day of relaxation. This is a day to celebrate the birth a man who not only touched the minds, hearts, and souls of many with his words, but a man who cried for peace and equality that continues to live within all and motivate the future generations.
In today’s world, America is changing and the majority and minority are progressively becoming more and more distant from each other. A nation which praises itself in being a melting pot, still takes advantage of women and those within the minority groups. The dream for every individual to be viewed as an equal, may seem unrealistic and a mere fantasy. Yes, Martin Luther King Jr. fought primarily for the equality and rights for the African-American community but it is now visibly shown that African-Americans are not the only class misrepresented in America. The men and women who fight for religious justice, gay rights and equal pay rate are warriors in battle alongside African-Americans. Their circumstances may not be the same as African-Americans or other categories but they understand the need for change and development in society. As a group, they all have one thing in common and that is the necessity for their cries to be heard and the hidden silence within each community to be removed.
Many believe that if an issue does not personally affect them then it is not their problem. The problem with that mentality is that there is an inevitable chance that that particular social issue will happen to them next. This is when silence can be the deadliest weapon against the growth and stand of our nation’s problems. Protests and sit-ins at a glance are seen as pointless with no effect but it is better than simply allowing anything to get swept under the rug and ignored. When the people ignore what is going on, the government will do the same. Similar to the body, if there is no stress or disturbance, there can be no change or development. A silent man is more of a betrayer than a “snitch” or a “rat”. The “snitch” recognizes the problem at hand and defies what others believe would be the safer action. They represent the greater good that places their morals and ethics above their safety and the way they are perceived by others. In many ways, civil rights activists are snitches against the government. They revolt and expose the truth of what is happening within the communities. A silent man will conform and accept the wrong even when it is against his morals. This occurs within every group. There is no such thing as an “only black people” problem or a “women only problem”; a situation that affects one affects all. Everyone falls into multiple groups and ignoring one portion of their life means they are betraying themselves.
Is it a duty to fight for others or should one simply fight and thrive for personal well-being? Men and women both strive for greatness and success in their lifetime but what if that success is created through helping another individual? These two questions will lead one to debate whether they are on the path for personal justice or social justice. There are times when the battle must be fought alone but then there are times when unity is needed. Before the social matters of the world are challenged, one must realize independently that there needs to be a change. Harriet Tubman once said “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” To inspire others, inspiration must derive from within. There is a time and place to fight one problem and another time to fight a different problem. Before, it was gay rights and as a nation, that matter was conquered. Now once again police brutality and justice for Native-Americans, African-Americans and Arab-Americans must become the focal point for America. Become socially conscious and abandon the self-doubt of being unable to make a difference. It only takes one person to become the catalyst that changes the world.
As a nation, this day should be used as a day of remembrance, not only for a great man but for those who followed in his steps to continue the battle which we continue to fight every day. The uplift and unity of humanity is the prescription needed to help this dwindling country. There are many negatives within America but one must recognize the great work that people in the past have made, the trials and tribulation they overcame just for the generations to follow. The third Monday of January, a day of rest and a day for jubilation.